New Books in Science, Technology, and Society AI, News, and the State: Reinstitutionalising Journalism in Global China’s Algorithmic Age: A conversation with Dr. Joanne Kuai
Nov 3, 2025
Dr. Joanne Kuai, a Research Fellow at RMIT University and former journalist in China, shares her insights on AI's transformative role in journalism. She discusses the evolving relationship between state and technology in China’s media landscape, comparing it with the US and EU. Topics include how AI influences journalistic practices, organizational structures, and ethical concerns within journalism. Joanne also addresses AI governance, copyright implications for news, and the impact of technology on public engagement and accountability.
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AI As Socio-Technical Power
- AI in China is a socio-technical phenomenon that co-constructs journalism, technology, and state power.
- It reflects and reinforces power dynamics rather than acting as a neutral tool.
Watchdog Role Within Constraints
- Chinese journalists perform watchdog roles within political constraints and often critique private-sector tech.
- They position the state as a responsible custodian while being less critical of state-developed AI.
Investigative Reporting Changed Policy
- People's Magazine exposed delivery-platform algorithm abuses and prompted national policy discussions.
- Reporting led to improvements in workers' welfare and algorithmic design.
